Our Lady of Mount Carmel School

Chesapeake High School STEM Academy is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and inclusive educational experience for students in grades 9 through 12, with a particular focus on those who thrive in a STEM-based environment. The school serves a diverse population, including students with language-based learning disabilities and those who are twice-exceptional, ensuring that every learner receives the support they need to succeed. The curriculum emphasizes rigorous academic standards while fostering essential 21st-century skills through innovative teaching methodologies and hands-on learning opportunities. Chesapeake High stands out for its low student-teacher ratio, which allows for personalized instruction and strong relationships between educators and families. Additionally, the school promotes active family partnerships and community involvement, enhancing the overall educational experience. Unique facilities and specialized programs further enrich the learning environment, making Chesapeake High School STEM Academy a nurturing space where all students can excel academically and socially.

Essex Elementary School is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment for students with diverse learning needs, specifically serving children aged 4 to 11 who may experience challenges such as language-based learning disabilities or other developmental differences. The school's core mission revolves around empowering these young learners through tailored educational strategies and comprehensive support systems. Essex Elementary employs a variety of innovative programs and therapeutic methodologies designed to meet the unique needs of each student, ensuring that they receive personalized attention and encouragement in their academic journey. What sets Essex Elementary apart is its commitment to maintaining a low student-teacher ratio, which allows for individualized instruction and fosters meaningful relationships between educators and students. Additionally, the school emphasizes strong partnerships with families, recognizing the vital role that parents and guardians play in their children's education. Specialized facilities and resources are available to enhance learning experiences, along with unique community events that promote inclusivity and engagement among all stakeholders. This holistic approach not only nurtures academic growth but also supports social-emotional development, making Essex Elementary a distinctive choice for families seeking a compassionate and effective educational setting for their children.

St. Stephen's Creative Learning Center (also presented as St. Stephens Christian Academy) is a non-profit private Christian school at 1525 Old Eastern Ave in Essex, Maryland. It was established in 2005 with help from the former pastor of St. Stephen's A.M.E. Church, who recruited a former school principal to build the program. It began with a Kindergarten class of six students and now teaches Kindergarten through 5th grade, with stated plans to expand to 8th grade. The school is a member of ACSI (the Association of Christian Schools International) and is governed by a Board of Directors along with parents of the student body. The center runs three tracks. The Pre-Academy accepts children from 6 weeks old through Pre-K4. The Christian Academy covers Kindergarten through 5th grade. Out of School Time programming provides before and after care from 7:00am to 8:00am and 3:00pm to 5:30pm, Monday through Friday. During the school year, arrival is at 8:30am, lunch is at noon, and dismissal is at 3:00pm (children not picked up by 3:15pm move into the Enrichment Academy at an hourly fee). A summer program (the Summer Scholar / Summer Enrichment program) mixes educational activities, games, and arts and crafts. The school emphasizes small class sizes, a low student-to-teacher ratio, and individualized attention, which fits families whose children benefit from more one-on-one support, and the curriculum pairs academics with Christian teaching organized around four core values: Knowledge, Spirituality, Understanding, and Civility. As a non-profit supported by tuition, the St. Stephen's A.M.E. Church, and charitable donations, it positions its tuition as among the lowest in the Essex area, with payment plans available annually, semi-annually, monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly. Scholarships, grants, and child care vouchers are accepted (the site points families to money4childcare.com to check eligibility). Enrollment runs through an application, a registration fee, entrance testing, and an interview with the Administrator. Students entering must be five years old by December 31, and the school requires proof of age (birth certificate), documented immunizations per Maryland law, and a completed physical examination form. For details or to arrange an on-campus tour, the school can be reached at (443) 772-3447.